My favorite dishes at the Thanksgiving table are the sides. I’d be lying if I told you they were sweet potatoes with marshmallows or any of that creamy stuff. That’s not my jam. I love the veggies, from the dips at the start to salads and warm sides.Â
I often hear in the reader survey that you want to see veggie-packed meals, whether vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free. So today I’m sharing a complete Thanksgiving menu where veggies are the star. All of today’s recipes are vegetarian, most vegan, and many are gluten-free. Use it as inspiration for new additions around your table or add all of them to your feast. They’re guaranteed to make bellies happy, whether you eat turkey or not.Â
Here’s what’s on your veggie-filled Thanksgiving menu:
All recipes are vegetarian, V indicates vegan, GF indicates gluten-free
To Start
Zaalouk (V + GF)
Hummus with Sauteed Mushrooms (V + GF)
Spinach Dip (GF)
Salads
Roasted Veggie Salad (V + GF)
Vegan Supermarket Slaw (V + GF)
Thanksgiving Grain Bowl (V)
Fall Grain Bowl (V + GF)
Mains
Whole Roasted Cauliflower (V)
Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Sides
Spiced Cauliflower (V + GF)
Crispy Brussels Sprouts (V)
Melted Leeks & Rice (V + GF)
To Start
When I’m hosting, I always set out a few bowls of dip to snack on while we finish cooking. (This one is a favorite around here.) These are easy to prep in advance or bring to your host’s house. Cut the veggies the day and cover with a damp paper towel so they don’t dry out, then add your favorite crackers to the plate when you’re ready to serve.
Zaalouk (V)
Hummus with Sauteed Mushrooms (V)
Spinach Dip
Salads
We always have a salad with our meal. Sometimes a lighter, crunchy salad helps balance out the rest of the menu, others deserve a heartier variation. Packed with grains and potatoes, these salads are filling enough to double as a main for anyone around your table and they make incredible leftovers the next day. Add an egg, and breakfast is served.Â
Roasted Veggie Salad (V)
Vegan Supermarket Slaw (V)
Thanksgiving Grain Bowl (V)
Fall Grain Bowl (V)
Mains
At any other Thanksgiving table, the turkey’s role is more of a centerpiece than anything else. (Right??) So when veggies are the star, you need to serve drama somehow. This whole roasted cauliflower is perfectly seasoned and naturally fits as a centerpiece, especially if you carve tableside.
Whole Roasted Cauliflower (V)
Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Sides
The star of Friday’s leftovers. These sides pack so much flavor that I’d love a plate of them all on their own, especially the cauli. (If you want a more herby cauliflower instead, check out this option.)
Spiced Cauliflower (V)
Crispy Brussels Sprouts (V)
Melted Leeks & Rice (V + GF)
